Mercedes Benz unveiled its new Mercedes-Maybach S650 Cabriolet during the LA Auto Show, labelling it the most luxurious open-top vehicle in its history – a deliberate challenge to BMW-owned Rolls-Royce of course. The cab rounds off a good 130th year for the automaker, which released a special edition of the S-Class Cabriolet at the beginning of 2016.
However, whether the S650 Cabriolet can compete against Rolls-Royce Dawn and Bentley Continental GTC in the league of luxury convertibles, remains unknown. Maybach had struggled against these two names, which was one reason Mercedes folded into its main line
Only 300 S650 Cabriolets will be produced, each of them individually numbered and coming with a certificate of authenticity signed by Dieter Zetsche, the company’s chairman.
Obviously, the certificate isn’t what is going to make you purchase the car. The S650 Cabriolet comes with a twin turbo charged 6-liter V12 under the hood (it delivers 630hp, 1000Nm torque), with the capability of reaching 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. We don’t know yet how heavy this beast is but that acceleration is nothing to sneer at.
For the interior, the cabin is bursting with luxury trim, fitted as standard, from its clever suspension for eliminating all roll in corners to the raft of next-generation active driver safety aids. Each model will get its own unique leather and wood trim, with all materials being exclusive to this model.
On the outside, the Swarovski crystal-packed headlamps, redesigned bumpers and unique 20-inch wheels should help set it apart from any competitively common Mercedes in the current range. There is also a choice of nine specially mixed paint finishes.
The final touch is a four-piece set of bespoke luggage that fits exactly into the car’s trunk and that will be made to match the individual client’s interior leather trim choices.
“The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Cabriolet represents the ultimate in luxury, showcased to perfection by our design philosophy of Sensual Purity,” said Daimler Chief Design Officer, Prof. Gorden Wagener. “The Cabriolet is a real beauty with an enchanting air.”
But philosophy and attention to detail notwithstanding, will the €300,000 model be truly different and special enough to convince clients to go with it rather than the aforementioned Rolls-Royce Dawn or even the “standard” S-Class Cabriolet? Only time will tell.
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